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We’re just three weeks out from the WNBA All-Star Game on July 10 in Chicago, and this year’s competition will look different than last. In an Olympic year, Team USA competed against Team WNBA. This year, teams will be selected by two captains, which will be the players with the most fan votes regardless of conference.
A total of 22 players will be named All-Stars (11 on each team), though coaches will select the 12 reserves. The 10 starters will be determined by a combination of fan (50%), media (25%) and player (25%) votes.
Gaming Society was prompted to select four backcourt and six frontcourt players regardless of conference on a media ballot to vote as starters. Here’s who was chosen (in no particular order).
Backcourt starters
Kelsey Plum
The WNBA’s second-leading scorer was a no-brainer choice to start this year. At 20.1 points per game on 43/41/85 shooting splits, Plum’s having the best year of her career.
Skylar Diggins-Smith
With 18.3 points per game and 5.2 assists, Diggins-Smith is the Mercury’s most important player and perennially in the conversation as being the league’s best point guard.
Jackie Young
She’s been in a little slump since the ankle sprain, but her numbers were MVP-caliber before it. It’s Young’s breakout year and she needs to be a starter.
Sabrina Ionescu
After a shaky month of May, Ionescu is putting up clear All-Star numbers in June, scoring 20.8 points with 7.3 assists and 7.0 rebounds.
Also considered: Kelsey Mitchell, Arike Ogunbowale, Rhyne Howard, Kahleah Copper
Frontcourt starters
A’ja Wilson
The MVP so far. She should be one of the team captains.
Breanna Stewart
Likely the other team captain, and her MVP case is building, too.
Alyssa Thomas
Thomas is having the best season of her career and starring on both ends of the court. The Sun have maybe the most versatile defense in the league and she’s the anchor.
Jonquel Jones
Last year’s MVP had a slow start, but now she’s rolling, double-doubling in her last two games. She’s also third in rebounds per game.
Nneka Ogwumike
The Sparks are struggling but Ogwumike isn’t. She’s scoring 17.8 points on an incredibly efficient 59.1% shooting with 7.8 boards.
Sylvia Fowles
Out indefinitely with a cartilage injury in her right knee, she’s unlikely to play at All-Star. But the legend, who’s set to retire after this season, is deserving of starter recognition. In 12 games before injury, she was averaging 16.5 points on 64.1% shooting and 10.3 boards.
Also considered: Candace Parker, Tina Charles, DeWanna Bonner
